Opinion: State trying to tax residents who moved; Cubberley tax is dead; school unions demand far more than inflation rate

"People who have fled the state are getting letters from the California Franchise Tax Board asking them for documents confirming when they left the state. The California tax collectors want to see the escapee's pay stubs from their new employer, employment contracts, a bill from the moving company, and a cancelled check to the movers. The letters even ask escapees to "provide a brief narrative of the events and circumstances surrounding" their decision to leave the state."

"The research company the city hired to do the polling is recommending that the council put off a vote on the Cubberley tax until 2028. I think that's sound advice. Public opinion isn't going to suddenly swing back in favor of a Cubberley tax by November. The only way that's going to happen is if there's grassroots support for such a measure, which doesn't exist right now."

The California Franchise Tax Board is contacting former residents to verify departure dates and collect documentation such as pay stubs, employment contracts, moving company bills and cancelled checks. Letters also request a brief narrative explaining reasons and circumstances for leaving the state. Many people perceive continued residency scrutiny despite having relocated. In Palo Alto, polling indicates a proposed Cubberley Community Center tax measure would fail and consultants advise postponing a vote until 2028. Multiple recent and proposed regional taxes have increased voter fatigue. The Palo Alto school board is considering a parcel tax despite the district's strong financial position.

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